The day your child was born is a day to celebrate and make them feel special.
This year, due to COVID-19, many families are needing creative ways to celebrate a birthday from home.
Here are some ideas to make your child’s birthday special.
Create anticipation
As the birthday approaches, build anticipation by talking about it and planning what the day will hold. You can create a special countdown by making a paper chain and tearing off one link per day or even just counting down the number of days on a chalkboard in your home. Explain that although there will not be a big birthday party this year, a lot of fun things are planned.
Make the cake
A great way to save money on a birthday celebration is to make the cake yourself. Choose flavors and colors or themes your child loves and get siblings involved in the preparation. Kids typically don’t care about whether the cake is perfectly decorated, they are happy with a cake that is made just for them.
Balloon avalanche
When your child goes to sleep the night before her birthday, decorate the house with balloons or birthday decor. Try taping a disposable tablecloth to the outside of the door jam and fill the space between with balloons. When your child opens the door, she will be greeted with a balloon avalanche sure to put a big smile on her face.
Decorate the House
Use construction paper to create a birthday banner. Make party hats. Write message on the fridge with alphabet magnets. Decorate your family dry erase board. Use sidewalk chalk and draw on the driveway. Use art supplies from around the house to decorate and create a party atmosphere.
Order Takeout
Many local restaurants are still offering drive-thru or curbside pick up. Support a small business and treat your child to their favorite foods. We have your guide to local restaurants offering on-the-go food - including a local cupcake shop with cupcake kits!
Kid’s choice
When you are planning the day, consider your child’s favorites. Plan the day’s meals around the foods your youngster loves. Choose things that you typically do not serve to make the day more special. Play their favorite board games, decorate the mantle or living room with favorite books or toys, watch their favorite movie. Let them choose the activities for the day based on their favorite things.
Document the day
Create a list of questions to ask your child on their birthday such as “Who is your best friend?” or list TV shows, songs, foods, etc. Record the answers in a safe place and repeat each year. It’s fun to look back and see how your child has changed and matured over the years.
Tell the story
Kids love to hear stories about the day they were born, the cute things they did as a baby or how you prepared for their arrival. Spend part of the day telling favorite stories about your child—he is sure to love it.
Have others reach out
Ask friends and family to wish your child a happy birthday with calls, texts, messages or cards. Consider talking to family members via Skype. This will help your child know that others are celebrating their special day.
We parents often feel like spending a lot is the best way to make our child’s birthday special, but this is truly not the case. With a little extra planning, your child’s day can be just as special as any expensive party.
Ways to Celebrate Without at Home
- Watch a movie
- Play games
- Make a special meal
- Decorate
- Facetime with friends and pals.
- Use Facetime or another app to play games, or karaoke, or enjoy friend time in creative ways.
- Let your child start planning their dream celebration for next year.
Story originally written for KC Parent by local mom, Sarah Lyons. Additional contributions by Kristina Light.